It feels great to say, “See you later 2020!”
Last year was a trying year to say the least. Despite the many challenges our city faced, we were resilient and came together to support one another through it all. Learning to navigate day-to-day life during the pandemic, the bikeshare team stood by the community as we continued to evolve to a new normal.
In the face of the pandemic, Bike Share Toronto helped shape how our city moves. Whether it be running essential errands, commuting to work, exercise or just getting out of the house, Bike Share Toronto became a key part of Torontonians’ daily COVID-19 routines. Having the busiest year in Bike Share Toronto history, we welcomed a record-breaking number of returning and new riders to the bikeshare family. We look forward to serving our riders in 2021 as we continue to operate a key piece of Toronto’s transportation network.
Let’s take a trip down memory lane as we move onwards and upwards in 2021!
Closing off 2020 with 2.9 million trips, Bike Share Toronto saw the highest ridership in its 10-year program history! With a record-breaking boost in members through 2020, more Torontonians than ever joined us on two wheels. While keeping safe at home, many sought a distanced and reliable way to get some exercise or run errands which they may have normally have done by other transportation means. With a massive surge in ridership, the community opted for Bike Share Toronto as a way to get around while maintaining a safe physical distance from others. Can we break the record AGAIN this year? Register as an Annual Member for less than $10 a month and let’s find out together!
Why did so many entrust their travel to Bike Share Toronto during the pandemic? Biking is a natural physically distanced travel and movement option! With an unparalleled commitment to keeping our customers and staff safe, Bike Share Toronto continued operations during COVID-19 to support those who needed to travel on an urgent basis. Bike Share Toronto encouraged the community to access the system via the PBSC app for a contactless experience, in addition to asking riders to follow personal hygiene practices outlined by the City of Toronto. As we welcome this new year still combating the pandemic, we will continue to provide a safe, healthy and fun transportation option for Torontonians city-wide.
Bike Share Toronto grew last year to a whopping 6,850 bikes and 625 station spanning over 200 km2 of the city. Expanding by 1,850 bikes, 160 stations and 3,615 docking points, bikeshare is now available in 20 of Toronto’s 25 wards. Not only did the system grow, but we also extended bikeshare’s footprint introducing two pilot programs located in North York and Scarborough. With up to eight stations per area, we are thrilled to serve new communities. Our system’s bike and station footprint grew last year, now making Bike Share Toronto the third largest bikeshare system in North America!
E-bikes have definitely made a global impact in 2020 and were a very welcomed addition to our city’s bikeshare network. In August 2020, the e-bike pilot program launched as Bike Share Toronto continues to revolutionize how Torontonians get around. E-bikes allow users to accelerate up to 25 kilometres per hour through pedal-assist pedalling and travel as far as 70 kilometres before requiring a charge (but it may take you more than 30 minutes!). If you haven’t taken a spin on one already, we encourage you to grab one and tackle a hill while you’re at it. Download the PBSC app to locate an e-bike with a black icon on our system map. Remember to always wear a helmet and follow the rules of the road!
The City of Toronto introduced a game-changer last summer – ActiveTO! The ActiveTO program was founded to ensure Torontonians had the space to get active outdoors while respecting physical distancing. Did you have the opportunity to ride one of the program’s major road closure routes? From May through October, the City closed Lake Shore East, Lake Shore West and Bayview Avenue periodically to vehicles, welcoming cyclists, runners and pedestrians to its wide-open spaces. With an average of 18,000 cyclists per weekend, we saw our bikeshare community taking advantage of the incredible routes in the masses. Signs and temporary barricades encouraged streets to be shared by local and slow vehicle traffic, sharing the road with cyclists. Last but certainly not least, ActiveTO brought the expansion of Toronto’s cycling network. As the largest one-year expansion of on-street bike lanes in Toronto’s history, 40km of cycling infrastructure were installed. Looking to ride the new cycling network? Check-out some of our new favourite routes.
2020 had our focus on continuously augmenting the bikeshare customer experience, including updates to the PBSC app. One of the many enhancements that came last year is the notable super-quick and easy bike unlock. Users can conveniently scan a bike’s QR code for a quick, contactless way to release and ride in seconds. In addition to quick-unlock QR codes, the app enables riders to plan their route with real-time system data. The PBSC app was one of the most popular ways our users accessed the Bike Share Toronto system. Whether you’re an annual member or a short-term pass holder, discover station locations, track bike inventory, locate available docks, find e-bikes and more! Not an app user yet? Download the PBSC app for a seamless riding experience in 2021.
“Let’s just start by saying, BikeShareTO is not a mode of transportation, but a lifestyle! I think every member can agree with this statement. It’s always there for you, wherever you need it, whenever you need it, and wherever you need to go.” – Crystal
“I was introduced to Bike Share through my office. We deal with energy-efficiency and sustainability, so travelling by bicycle really aligns well with our philosophy. I love the service, and I try to use it as much as I can, especially during COVID. It’s nice to have an option other than TTC. The fact that Bike Share is increasing the number of docks around the city motivates me to use the bike even more.” – Lucas
“As an entrepreneur I would not be able to run my business as efficiently and cost effectively as I am without Bike Share Toronto. The convenience of being able to grab a bike virtually anywhere in the city, get to where I need to go, and drop it off without worrying about any of the hassles that come with having your own bike is the best part of this service.” – Lily
“Bike Share has been my favourite way to navigate around Toronto for some time now. At first, my boyfriend from Scotland and I used it to explore the city and get back and forth from his place on Parklawn to mine in Fort York. We both enjoyed cycling and it was so convenient. Three years later, I still use it as a mode of transportation, realizing I can do without a car for the time being. I use it to run errands, discover new parks (the latest being Tommy Thompson), and as a means of exercise. I’m impressed with how well the bikes have been maintained and how many new docks have been added. Thank you, Bike Share!” – Susan
“I’ve been a member since the Bixi days. It’s a great means of transportation & way less than mass transit. In 2016, I did a 366-day challenge of riding every day. Since the bikes are heavy & the tires wide it’s also a safe way of riding in the winter. Better than waiting & freezing at a bus stop! Glad the system is being expanded so much. More places to explore with Bike Share Toronto!”- Tami
Moving into 2021, Bike Share Toronto will continue to support the community as we navigate a COVID-19 world.
Looking for transportation options? Try Bike Share Toronto this year with a short term pass or sign up for an annual membership for less than $10 a month and access bike share 24/7/365! Enjoy unlimited 30-minute station to station trips while your pass is active – overage fees apply to trips longer than 30 minutes.
